Savannah Bishop

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite classes have been with Associate Professor Yueping Zhang in the psychology department. I have had her for two classes, most recently in Cross-Cultural Psychology. It has expanded my knowledge as it has allowed me to use my Third Culture Kid (TCK) background and make sense of it in the psychological realm.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I ultimately came to Lewis & Clark because they offered me the best financial aid package. I also liked the location of the school, as well as how beautiful the campus is. The smaller class size was another positive factor for me and my decision making, as well as the fact that TCKs and international students are well-represented. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

Being a psychology major is something that I knew I wanted to major in from the start, and it remained this way as I’ve continued through L&C.

How did you decide on your major?

I decided on my major of psychology in high school. I really enjoyed the materials we were covering in class, and then could see myself having a future in the field. It was one of the first academic classes that I was really excited about, and could really see applicable in the future of my life!

What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?

I chose my minor of political science purely out of interest. I took the introductory political science classes my sophomore year and almost instantly knew that it is what I wanted to minor in. I really like how my minor doesn’t relate to my major—it allows me to take courses in two different areas that I find super interesting.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

My financial aid package had a major influence on my decision to attend L&C. It provided me with the most affordable path toward obtaining my undergraduate degree compared to the other institutions I had gotten accepted into. 

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Trust your gut. Seriously! Deep down, you probably have an inclination to where you want to end up and where you see yourself.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

Yes, I did visit. I didn’t do a formalized tour or anything like that, but instead walked around campus. It helped me to envision myself on campus, and to visualize myself when thinking about where I want to be for college.

Which residence halls have you lived in? How would you describe the hall’s personality? What is/was the best thing about living on campus?

I’ve lived in Akin and Copeland Halls. I would describe Akin as quiet, peaceful, and calm. Copeland I would describe as more lively, and larger.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why?

Brian White is my mentor on campus. He is my mentor because I am a Third Culture Kid, and he works at the International Students and Scholars office and works closely with international/TCK students.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

When it is sunny, anywhere near Frank Manor house is so lovely. I also really like Watzek Library—I find it to be really calming for me and a good place to get work done.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Portland?

The food scene in Portland is one of my favorite things about living here. I enjoy going out to eat with friends and trying different food cuisines in the area.

Have you been involved with one of our symposia, as an organizer or participant? What was the experience like? How did the event complement your academic experience?

Yes, I have! I was heavily involved in planning, organizing, and creating the TCK Symposium for this school year, which happened in February 2023. The experience was overall positive—of course it was stressful at times, but it was so rewarding to see it come together at the end.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced at Lewis & Clark?

My first year was the biggest challenge I faced at L&C, especially my first semester. Moving to Portland from overseas for the first time in 11 years, I faced a lot of transitional challenges and culture shock. However, after about six months at L&C, things started to get better and it felt more like home.

How has Lewis & Clark changed you?

It’s made me more mature and grown up. Going to college, you have to mature and take care of yourself, and that probably has been the greatest change I’ve encountered.

What’s the experience like as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)?

I ultimately decided to come to L&C because of the TCK program, and I am very glad I made that decision. I love having a group of people who have similar experiences to me; this has been super positive to my college experience.

Psychology Political Science